ABOITIZ InfraCapital Inc. (AIC) is coordinating the phased handover of facilities and land at Laguindingan International Airport (LIA), supporting its modernization plans ahead of the official April 2025 takeover.
This initiative supports AIC’s long-term vision to modernize LIA -- Mindanao’s second busiest -- strengthening its role as key gateway for regional growth, tourism and improved quality of life for locals.
“We are committed to delivering an efficient and well-managed transition process that paves the way for the modernization of Laguindingan International Airport. Our goal is to enhance the gateway’s infrastructure and services to meet the growing demands of travelers and businesses,” said AIC president and chief executive officer Cosette Canilao.
“Our vision for Laguindingan International Airport is to create a world-class gateway that will drive economic progress and connectivity for Mindanao. This project is a key milestone in our goal of elevating Philippine aviation standards and delivering an exceptional Filipino brand of hospitality and service,” added Rafael Aboitiz, AIC vice president for Airports Business.
LIA is the first successful airport public-private partnership project awarded via unsolicited bid under the current administration.
In October 2024, a P12.75 billion concession agreement was signed by AIC, the Department of Transportation and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines for AIC to undertake the development and modernization of LIA over a 30-year period after the official turnover in April 2025.
The expansion will be executed in two phases, raising the airport’s design capacity from 1.6 million passengers per annum (mppa) to 3.9 mppa in the first phase and up to 6.3 mppa in the second phase, depending on demand.
Renowned for operating the award-winning Mactan-Cebu International Airport — whose Terminal 2 holds a prestigious 4-star Skytrax rating — AIC continues to raise standards for Philippine airport operations.
Beyond Laguindingan, AIC will also manage the upgrade, operation and maintenance of Bohol-Panglao International Airport, the country’s ninth-busiest, with takeover set for June 2025.
The P4.53 billion project covers passenger terminal expansion, installation of key equipment and modernization of airside and landside infrastructure over a 30-year concession.
These initiatives reflect AIC’s broader strategy to develop world-class infrastructure that embodies Filipino hospitality, improves travel experiences and fosters seamless connectivity across the country.
As part of the Aboitiz techglomerate, AIC is harnessing infrastructure and technology expertise to drive sustainable growth in the Philippine aviation sector. / MVG with PR